HEINER RELEASES HIS 5 IDEAS FOR LOUISVILLE'S FUTURE

This is what it takes to be a leader. Hal Heiner released his 5 ideas for Louisville's future this morning at 10 AM at Commerce Crossings on Preston Highway. Commerce Crossings is Heiner's completed project and one of his first after he formed Capstone Realty.

In Hal's words:

"In 1997 I had an idea to create a business park in South Louisville - today that park is known as Commerce Crossings and is home to 28 companies representing 5 countries and more than 4,000 jobs," stated Hal Heiner. "In order for Louisville to meet its potential it will take ideas, passion and experience, which is why today I am announcing 5 ideas for Louisville’s future."

The "5 Ideas for Louisville’s Future" are as follows:

 Establish Louisville as An Energy Research Center for the Nation: Great cities need great research universities to provide seeds for new business. We are a leader in medical research; however we need to lead in other areas as well. Based upon a $20 million philanthropic contribution to the Speed School for Engineering, Governor Beshear established the Kentucky Center for Renewable Energy Research and Environmental Stewardship at the University of Louisville. We must build upon this investment by aggressively supporting renewable and alternative energy research efforts at the University while leveraging the intellectual capital to implement discoveries into new businesses and attract new industry while providing a long term generator for job growth into the future.

 Begin Construction on the East End Bridge by the End of the First Term: Facing uncertainty over whether Louisvillians will be asked to pay up to $3 in tolls to finance a "two-bridges" project, Hal is prepared to evaluate all options, including streamlining the project to an affordable level. The time has come to move ahead with the East End Bridge, which will put hundreds of people to work in construction jobs and begin a project we have been planning for 41 years.

 Complete the Southwest Regional Library in the First Term: Hal Heiner’s record on libraries has been clear and demonstrated to be on target. We can invest in new facilities for our community without new taxes. As Mayor, Hal will continue to pursue the vision he laid out during the library debate by committing to fund1 and build the Southwest Regional Library during the first term of his administration.

 Institute Spending Accountability for Metro Budgets: Metro Government tightened its belt during the lean times but the lesson we must learn is to keep it tight when times get better. Hal will institute a budget reform so that his budget recommendation is based upon current revenues2 as opposed to projected growth that may or may not materialize. If this reform had been in place since merger, Metro Government could have saved $95 million to go towards paying down debt and job creation.

 Bring Metro Government into the 21st Century: Efficient and effective government is necessary to better meet the needs of residents while maintaining a commitment to a fiscally responsible budget. There are many things that can be done to get more output from Metro Government while keeping spending in check. Hal Heiner will establish performance metrics for Metro departments, institute lean six-sigma efficiency techniques into management practices, move us toward a paperless system in government and adopt mobile apps as a means of connecting people to the services they expect and pay for.

"These ideas will be the catalyst of making Louisville more attractive for job creation, providing for a great quality of life for our citizens and making Metro Government a national model for effectiveness and transparency," stated Hal Heiner. "My vision of Louisville is to grow investment in our community to provide better jobs and opportunity for all our citizens while enhancing quality of life in every neighborhood."

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